Self-standing display



April 2, 1-963 Filed Aug. 1'7, 1960 D. GOLDSTEIN SELF-STANDING DISPLAY 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 l? TTOR IVE XS Apri 2, 1963 D. GoLDsTElN 3,083,488

SELF-STANDING DISPLAY Filed Aug. 17, 1960 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aprii 2, 1:963 D. GoLDsTElN 3,083,488

SELF-STANDING DISPLAY Filed Aug. 17, leso s sheets-sheet 3 70/ if i; 7 f/ 7/2 Tron/Veys United States Patent O 3,083,438 SELF-STNG DlSlLAY Daniel Goldstein, New York, NI., assigner to Schenley Industries, luc., New York, NX., a corporation oi' Delaware Filed Ang. 17, llll, Ser. No. 50,223 Claims. (Cl. #lll-124.1)

This invention relates generally to displays, and is especially concerned with point-of-purchase displays.

As is well known to those versed in the art, point-ofpurchase displays have in the past been limited by excessive expense in manufacture, and expense and diiiicuity in transportation and storage, as well as the difliculties encountered in handling and erecting Window or indoor displays.

However, by the construction of the present invention, indoor and window displays of the billboard type, may be economically manufactured, shipped, and stored, and more quickly and easily handled and erected at the point of sale, all for increased merchandising elects at substantial savings in costs,

It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide a display structure which is adapted to be fabricated from relatively thin and lightweight, llexible stock, which may be similar to liffhtweight Bristol board, and wherein advertising copy, pictorial material and other printed matter may be imprinted directly on the display sheet. This, of course, eliminates the previously considered necessary use of silk screening on heavy cardboard which required an easel to stand, or printing and lithographing on paper which was subsequently mounted on heavy cardboard, which also required an easel.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a large indoor or window display which etfectively reduces the warping of prior display constructions caused by the eiiects of heat and humidity on corrugated and cardboard backing members.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a merchandising display having sharp, true, and rich color reproduction more economically produced than heretofore obtained with conventional corrugatedcardboard displays.

lt is still a further object of the present invention to provide unique means for stitlening and anchoring a relatively large sheet of flexible display material, which is extremely simple and very economical and which is a practical way to eliminate the costly addition of a supporting easel.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a display construction having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, which is simple and durable in construction, entirely reliable in use, and which can be manufactured and distributed at substantial savings in freight, handling and packing costs.

@ther objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specication and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material par-t of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exempliiied in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope will be indicated -by the appended claims.

lIn the drawings:

FIGURE l is a rear elevational view showing one embodiment of display constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a front perspective View showing the display of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a blank for use in the formation of another display constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FlGURE 4 is a rear perspective View showing a display formed of the blank of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a front perspective View of a display formed from the blank of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a fastener construction of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a front perspective View showing another embodiment of display according to the teachings of the present invention;

FlGURE 8 is a front perspective View of the display of FIGURE 7 in an intermediate stage of its erection;

FIGURE 9 is a plan view showing a blank adapted to form the display of FIGURE 7; and

FlGURE l0 is a partial rear perspective view showing another embodiment of display in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to FIGURES l and 2 thereof, a billboardtype display is there generally designated 2t? -and is integrally formed of a single blank of thin flexible sheet material. The display includes a generally rectangular, opstanding main portion or sheet 2l and a pair of upstanding wings 222 on opposite sides of the sheet 2l. The wings 22 are integral with ythe sheet 2l, being hingedly connected thereto by generally vertical fold lines 23 which define the side edges of the sheet. In the illustrated embodiment the wings Z2. extend vertically between the lower and upper edges of the sheet 2l.

A pair of lower and upper laterally extending reinforcing pieces 24 and 25 are located respectively along the lower and upper edges of the sheet 2l, being integral therewith and hingedly connected thereto by fold lines 26 and 27. The laterally extending reinforcing pieces 2A and Z5 thus define ilanges or liaps preferably extending between and terminating at the side edges or fold lines 23 ofthe sheet 2l.

Extending integrally from and hingedly connected to the lower end of each sidepiece or wing 22 is an anchoring iap Si@ integral with and hingedly connected to the lower end of its respective wing by a fold line 3l.

fln the erected condition of FIGURES l and 2, it is seen that the generally rectangular main sheet 2l is disposed in upstanding or vertical relation, while the wings Z2 extend generally vertically and rearward from opposite sides of the sheet 2l. The reinforcing pieces or flanges 24 and 25 are folded along their respective fold lines 2.6 and Z7 to extend rearward from the lower and upper edges of the main sheet 2l. Also, the anchoring aps 30 may, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, extend horizontally inward from their respective wings 22 generally toward each other. In this embodiment, the anchoring flaps Sil and lower laterally extending reinforcing piece 24 are all adapted to seat on a horizontal supporting surface or floor; and the anchoring flaps are located adjacent to opposite ends of the reinforcing piece. The anchoring flaps 3l? and the adjacent ends of the reinforcing piece 24 may be square cut as indicated at 32a in FIGURE l, for overlapping engagement and may be secured in this engagement in any suitable manner, for example, by stapling or a suitable adhesive.

Along the rearward vertical edges of the wings 22 are provided generally vertically extending reinforcing ilaps or flanges 32, each integrally connected with a respective wing by a fold line 33 and bent to extend inwardly therefrom toward each other. The reinforcing liaps or flanges 32 may be generally vertically coextensive with their respective wings 22.

Formed out of the material of each wing 22 is an engaging member or flap 3S connected to the respective wing by a generally horizontal fold line or crease 36.

3 The aps 35 are each formed with a central through opening '37. An opening 3S is formed in each wing 22 by swinging of its flap 35 out of the plane of the wing about the fold line 36. In the illustrated embodiment the flaps 35 are swung inward to extend from their respective wings22 toward each other.

In this condition, a weight 39, which may be a bottle or the like, is seated on the upper surface of each anchoring flap 39 to anchor the display in position on -a door surface. The upper end or neck of the weight or bottle 39 is inserted upward through the opening 37 of the engaging member 35. That is, the engaging member 35 is engaged over the upper end of the bottle or weight 59, which further serves to retain the wings 22 upright.

In this condition, a staunch and stable display 20 is quickly and easily erected from the relatively flexible and lightweight sheet material. As seen in FIGURE. 2, the forward side or face of the sheet ZV1 may be provided with any suitable advertising matter, as may be the outer surfacesot the wings Y:22. Of course, it is understood that a weight or bottle 39 is seated on each of the anchoring flaps 3Q and engage-d by each of the engaging members 35. In displaying bottle goods, the wing openings 33 may be configured -to advantageously expose a bottle label to view therethrough. Also, an additional bottle or piece of goods 40 may be displayed on a draped platf orm` 4l in front of the sheet 21 for enhanced threedimensional effect.

It is, of course, appreciated that the display 2Q of FIGURES 1 Aand 2 may be varied in many ways without departingvfrom the spirit of the invention. For example, the anchoring aps 3% may be swung to extend outward away from each other, as may the engaging members 35, and the weights or bottles 39 arranged on the outer sides of the wings 2,2.

In FlGURES 3-'6 is shown an important embodiment of the present invention as may be formed from the blank of FIGURE 3. The blank may be integrally fabricated of a single sheet of relatively thin ilexible card stock, such as Bristol board .orI the like, and includes a generally rectangular main sheet 21a bounded on lits side edges by parallel fold lines 23u, and on its lower and upper edges by parallel fold lines 26a and 27a. Centrally of the sheet 21o is formed an interrupted cut 45 of a decorative closed-outlineconiiguration for punch-out removal. The region 46 within the interrupted cut 45 is formed with an additional interrupted cut 47 of closed-outline coniiguraltion bonnding'a generally Vcircular `portion 48 having a pair of diametrically opposed radially outstanding extensions 49. The circular portion 48 is provided with suitable advertising material, as is the front face of the sheet 21a. The sheet 21a is also formed with a pair of generally parallel, vertically spaced through slots 50, for purposes appearing presently.

Extending laterally along the lower edge of the sheet 21a, coextensive therewith and hingedly connected thereto by the fold line 26a is, a generally rectangular reinforcing piece strip or flap 24a; and, an additional rigidifying llap or iiange S1 extends laterally along and coextensive with the piece 24a, being integral therewith and hingedly connected thereto by a fold line 52.v

A laterally extending upper reinforcing ypiece or llap 25a is hngedly connected to and coextensive with the upper edge of the sheet 21a by the fold line 27a. An additional rigidifying flap 53, is coextensive with, and integrally hinged to, the outer edge of the-piece 25a by the fold line 54.

Extending laterally outward from opposite sides of the sheet 21a, hingedly connected to the sheet by, andA co- Aextensive with, the fold lines 23a, are sidepieces 22a. The sidepieces 22a are `generally rectangular, each being formed on its outer side with a rigidifying flange or iiap 32a coextensive with the adjacent wing between the lower and upper edges of the sheet 21a and hingedly connected to the ladjacent wing by a fold line 33a.

Hingedly connected to the .lower end of each wing 22a by a fold line 31a is a generally rectangular anchoring ap 30a. Also, a generally rectangular `fastening flap 55 extends integrally from and is hingedly connected to the upper end of each 4wing 22a by a fold line 56.

The wings 22a are each formed with a generally U- shaped interrupted cut 57 having its upper ends connected together by a generally laterally `extending fold line 36a and defining within the cutand fold line a wing region 35a. A circular interrupted cut 5S is formed in each wing region 35a. Also, an inverted `generally U-shaped interrupted cut 59 is formed in each wing 22a proximate to and ove': the interrupted out 57. The lower ends of the interrupted cut 59 are connected by a fold line 6i) to dene within each interrupted cut 59 and its associated fold line 60 a wing region 61. Each Wing region 61 is formed therein with a generally circular interrupted cut 62.

'In erection of the display 26a of FIGURES 4 and S from the blank of FIGURE 3, the sheet region 46 may rst be removed or punched out along the cut 45. rThe upper wing flaps or tabs 55 may be swung rearward about their hinged connections 56, and the lower end tabs or anchoring fla-ps 30a may be swung rearward about their hinged connections Sla. Also, the rigidifying flanges or liaps 32a may be swung rearward about their hinged connections 33a. The wings 22a may then be swung rearward about their hinged connections 23a. Also the lower and upper laterally extending reinforcing pieces 24a and 25a are swung rearward about their respective hinged connections 26a and 27a, so that the anchoring fla-ps 36a are in overlying facing engagement with the end portions of the reinforcing Vpiece 24a, and the end portions of the reinforcing piece 25a are in overlying facing engagement with the attachment tabs 55a. Also, the rigidifying strips or flaps 51 and 53 may be bent about their respective fold lines 52 and 54.

The upper reinforcing piece 25a may be secured to the wings 22a by staples or similar fasteners 65, and the lower reinforcing piece 24a similarly secured to the anchoring flaps 30a. Also, the lower reinforcing piece 24a may be secured to a supporting ldoor surface by staples or the like, but this may be required only under extreme conditions of use.

The circular interrupted cuts 5S and 62 are severed to fionm openings in the regions 35a and 61, respectively; and, the interrupted cuts 57 and 59-are severed andthe regions Y35a and 61 swung -respectively upward and downward to extend laterally inward from their adjacent wing 22a, see FIGURE 4.

A bottle or other weight 39a may be seated on each anchoring tab'lla. The portions 35d and 61 of each wing 22a when swung inward dene overlying engaging members adapted to engage 'over the upper end o and receive therethrough the neck of a -b-ottle seated on the underlying' anchoring tab 36a. Obviously, this provides a -staunch andV sturdy display construction which is irrnly anchored and supported in position. If desired, one oi the portions 61 and 35a may be omitted, say the upper portion 61, resulting in a construction similar vto 'FIG- URE l. 0r, the portions I61 may be omitted and the openings-59 retained.

VlFrom'the removed sheet portion 46, the region 48 and -its extensions 49 may be further removed by severance along the interrupted cut 47. In this condition, the extensions 49 each include a generally-rectangular tab 67 (FIG. 6) connectedto theV periphery of the circular portion 4S, and a generally T-shaped extension 68 extending from the tab 67. The rtransverse portion or crosspiece of the T-shaped extension 63 is foldable upon itself and in its folded condition insertable through a yslot 50 until the standard 'or shank portion ofthe T-shaped extension is received in the slot andthe erosspiece is entirely on the rearward side of the sheet 21a. The `folded `crosspies are then free to resiliently unfold, at least partially, to prevent retraction through and withdrawal from the receiving slot 50. This operation and resultant condition is shown in FIGURES 5 and 6.

A draped platform 41a may be associated with the display 29a, either on the forward or rearward side thereof and carry a bottle or other article of goods 40a to be displayed in conjunction with the sheet 21a. While the bottle 48a is shown in front of the sheet 21a and specifically in front of the opening defined by removal of the sheet portion 45, it is of course understood that the platform and bottle may be located rearwardly of the sheet and exposed through the sheet opening.

A further slightly modified embodiment of display according to the present invention is shown at Zlib in FIGURE 7, as may be formed from the blank of FIG- URE 9.

The blank is preferably fabricated of a single sheet of relatively thin flexible material including a generally rectangular major portion or sheet 2lb bounded 'on its lower and upper edges by generally parallel interrupted cuts 261) and 27b, and on its opposite sides by parallel fold lines 23h extending between the lower and upper edge cuts.

The lower-edge cut 26b extends laterally between the side fold lines 2312, and outward thereof on each side is formed with a generally U-shaped interrupted cut 70, while the upper-edge cut 27h may be entirely straight and extend beyond the fold lines 2317 to the side extremities or bounding edges of the blank. An upper blank region of generally rectangular' configuration is defined above the interrupted cut Z711 and designated 7l, while a lower blank region 72 is defined below the interrupted out 26 and its U-shaped extensions 7l).

On opposite sides of the sheet 2lb, formed integral therewith and hingedly connected thereto by the fold lines are a pair of generally rectangular sidepieces or wings 2211 extending vertically between the lower and `upper interrupted cuts Zeb and 27h. Further, each of the wings 22h is laterally coextensive with and directly over a respective one of the U-shaped interrupted cuts 7l), The lower end of each wing 22h is defined by a fold line extending in alignment with the cut Zeb and between the upper ends of the adjacent U-shaped cut 7d, whereby a region Sfib is defined within each U-shaped cut 70 and its associated fold line.

A generally vertically extending rigidifying strip or flange B2b is coextensive with and hingedly connected to the outer edge of each wing 22h by a fold line 33b. The fold lines 33`b each extend between the upper laterally extending interrupted cut 27h and the outer upper end of a U-shaped interrupted cut 7 fl.

A pair of vertically spaced and vertically extending, aligned slots 75 are formed in the upper region of sheet 2lb adjacent to each side boundary or fold line 23h; and, an additional vertical slot 76 is formed in the lower region of the sheet 2lb adjacent to each fold line 23b. Also, a generally U-shaped interrupted cut 57i) is formed in each wing 221i, having its upper ends connected by a laterally extendin y fold line 36]). The wing region 3511 within each cut 57h and its associated fold line 35h is formed with a circular interrupted cut 58h.

A pair of laterally spaced interrupted cuts 7 3 are for-med in the upper blank region 71 extending from the interr-upted cut 27b to the upper bounding edge of the blank. A laterally extending generally rectangular region 25h is defined within the interrupted cuts 7 8 and 27h, and the upper bounding edge of the blank; and the interrupted cuts '78 are configured to define generally T-shaped extensions 79 on opposite ends of the laterally extending piece 25h. The laterally extending piece ZSb may have a coxtensive strip or flap 80 connected hingedly along its upper edge by a fold line 81, and a coextensive strip or flap 82 hingedly connected along its lower edge by a fold line 83.

The lower portion 72 of the blank is formed with a pair of laterally spaced interrupted cuts 85 each extending from the interrupted cut 26b to the lower bounding edge of the :blank and combining therewith to define a laterally extending generally rectangular reinforcing piece 24b. Also, the interrupted cuts 85 are configured to form generally T-shaped extensions -86 on opposite ends of the piece 241:, while lower and upper strips 87 are coextensive with the piece 24b and respectively hinged thereto by fold lines S8.

The blank of FIGURE 9 is simply and quickly erected, the upper blank portion 71 being removed by severance of the interrupted cut 27b and Ithe lower blank portion 72 being removed by severance of the interrupted cut 265. Prom the upper blank portion 71 may be obtained the laterally extending reinforcing piece 25b by severance along the interrupted cuts 78, and the laterally extending reinforcing piece 2419 may be obtained from the lower blank portion 72 by severance along the interrupted cuts 85.

The side strips or flaps 32b are folded rearward along their hinged connections or fold lines 3312, and the fold lines 2.31) folded slightly to bow the sheet 2lb rearward, as seen in FIGURE 8. Also, the regions Sflb within the cuts 70 and fold lines Slb are swung forward and upward to define anchoring flaps.

The rigidifying strips or :flanges 8f) and 82 are folded rearward along their respective fold lines S1 and 83, while the rigidifying strips or flanges S7 are folded rearward along their fold lines S8. Also, the crosspieces of the T-shaped extensions 79 and iS6 are folded for insertion through the slots 75 and 76, respectively. This serves to provide lateral reinforcement to the sheet 2lb and maintain the latter in its rearwardly bowed condition.

The wing regions 35h may be swun-g forward and upward about their hinged connections 36h upon severance of the interrupted cuts 57h, and the circular cuts 58h removed to `define openings in the regions 36b. In this manner, the forwardly swung regions 35b define engaging members or Iflaps adapted to engage over the upper ends of bottles or like weights 39b seated on the anchoring flaps tb.

"Obviously, this embodiment of the present invention fully achieves the objects and advantages set forth hereinbefore.

Another slightly modified embodiment is shown in FIGURE 10, which is similar to the embodiment of FIG- URES 7-9, but wherein an anchoring lap Sile and an engaging member 35e have been swung rearward. Hence, a weight or bottle 3% seated on the anchoring flap 30C and engaged by the engaging member 35C is disposed rearward of the wing 22e. The bottle 39e may thus be hidden, for the most part, and have its label presented to view through an opening 38C formed by swinging the engaging member 35s out of the plane of Wing 22C.

It will now be appreciated that by the concept of the present invention, the goods, such as bottled goods, advantageously serve a plurality of functions, in addition to their display function. For example, the goods serve to maintain the display construction in its properly bent or folded relation as by seating on certain elements to prevent their movement out of the desired condition, and further serve to maintain the device upright without an easel or other support, this function being enhanced by engagement of the display construction components with an upper region of a bottle. Of course, these functions are interrelated and are stated separately only for purposes of simplification. rFhus, the hereinbefore-described structural combination of rigidifying folds, flaps, and the like, together with the bottles serving to hold the several parts in `the `desired relationship serve to produce a long-lasting and fresh-looking `display of relatively thin sheet material, to effect substantial economies in manufacture.

From the foregoing it is seen that the present invention provides a display construction which fully accomplishes its intended objects and is well adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture, distribution, erection and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modications may be made within the spirit of the invention and .scope o'f the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. An upright display `dev-ice of relatively thin and flexible paper stock having a nished surface, such as light AWeight Bristol board, comprising a relatively large substantially rectangular 4mainpanel having parallel substantially rectilinear side edges, a pair of relatively narrow and ysubstantially rectangular side panels hinged to said central panel at fold lines extending along said side edges, and extending at an angle to said main panel, said side panels lbeing substantially coextensive with s'aid side edges and having stiieni'ng flanges extending at an angle thereto from fold lines along the outer longer edges of the side panels, each side ,panel having a relatively broad tlap extending substantially normal thereto from a fold line along its bottom edge and an apertured ap bent outwardly therefrom substantially above its bottom ed-'ge to extend substantially parallel to said relatively broad ap; each relatively broad 'ap being 'adapted to be engaged by the relatively broad lower end of a Weight having 'a reduced upper end engaged conformingly through the associated apertured lla-p to maintain said main panel extending substantially vertically.

2. A'n upright display device as `claimed in claim 1, in which there are a pair of said apertured flaps bent out- Wardly from each Vside panel along adjacent but spaced parallel fold 'lines .to extend parallel to eachother and to the lassociated relatively broad ap to conjointly receive the reduced upper end of such Weight.

3. An upright display device as claimed in claim l, including a stiiening flange bent Vnormal to the lower edge of said main .panel along a fold line substantially coextensive With such lower edge, said stilening ange being united to each of said broad lilaps.

4. An upright display as claimed in claim 3, including a second stiiening ange extending along the upper edge of said main panel and bent substantially normal thereto about a fold line extending along said upper edge', each side panel having a relatively 'broad flap extending substantially normal thereto Vfrom 4a fold line along its upper edge; and means anchoring 'said second mentioned relatively broad aps to said second mentioned stiifening flange.

5. An upright display device as claimed in claim 1, in which said main panel is curved about an axis extending Substantially parallel to .its side edges 'and is apertured adjacent its side edges; and reinforcing means of the same material as said main and side panels and having headed llaps extending through and interlocked behind said apertures, the reinforcing means having a length less than that of said main panel to maintain the latter so curved.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,396,027 Day Nov. 8, 1921 1,670,464 Marsh May 22, 1928 1,763,652 Halpern June 17, 1930 1,902,992 Chittum- Mar. 28, 1933 2,138,361 Snelling Nov. 29, '1938 2,743,011 Woofter Apr. 24, 1956 2,835,059 Groh May 20, 1958 2,882,629 Moebius Apr. 2l, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,119 Australia Mar. 21, 1936 

1. AN UPRIGHT DISPLAY DEVICE OF RELATIVELY THIN AND FLEXIBLE PAPER STOCK HAVING A FINISHED SURFACE, SUCH AS LIGHT WEIGHT BRISTOL BOARD, COMPRISING A RELATIVELY LARGE SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR MAIN PANEL HAVING PARALLEL SUBSTANTIALLY RECTILINEAR SIDE EDGES, A PAIR OF RELATIVELY NARROW AND SUBSTANTIALLY RECTANGULAR SIDE PANELS HINGED TO SAID CENTRAL PANEL AT FOLD LINES EXTENDING ALONG SAID SIDE EDGES, AND EXTENDING AT AN ANGLE TO SAID MAIN PANEL, SAID SIDE PANELS BEING SUBSTANTIALLY COEXTENSIVE WITH SAID SIDE EDGES AND HAVING STIFFENING FLANGES EXTENDING AT AN ANGLE THERETO FROM FOLD LINES ALONG THE OUTER LONGER EDGES OF THE SIDE PANELS, EACH SIDE PANEL HAVING A RELATIVELY BROAD FLAP EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY NORMAL THERETO FROM A FOLD LINE ALONG ITS BOTTOM EDGE AND AN APERTURED FLAP BENT OUTWARDLY THEREFROM SUBSTANTIALLY ABOVE ITS BOTTOM EDGE TO EXTEND SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO SAID RELATIVELY BROAD FLAP; EACH RELATIVELY BROAD FLAP BEING ADAPTED TO BE ENGAGED BY THE RELATIVELY BROAD LOWER END OF A WEIGHT HAVING A REDUCED UPPER END ENGAGED CONFORMINGLY THROUGH THE ASSOCIATED APERTURED FLAP TO MAINTAIN SAID MAIN PANEL EXTENDING SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICALLY. 